Application
This unit provides the skills and knowledge to install and maintain permaculture water systems, organise resources for installation work, set out and prepare site, install water system components, complete installation work, commission water system systems and communicate with work team members, supervisors, contractors and consultants.
All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.
This unit applies to individuals who work under broad direction and take responsibility for their own work including limited responsibility for the work of others. They use discretion and judgement in the selection and use of available resources and complete routine activities.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Element | Performance criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Organise resources for installation work | 1.1 Identify the construction site and construction method for the permaculture water system according to the permaculture plan 1.2 Select materials, tools, equipment and machinery, water storage, movement and filtering systems according to the permaculture design requirements 1.3 Check parts and equipment delivered to the site according to system drawings and specifications on the permaculture plan 1.4 Check water supply to ensure that it is compatible with system specifications 1.5 Carry out pre-operational and safety checks on tools, equipment and machinery according to manufacturer’s specifications 1.6 Select, use and maintain suitable safety and personal protective equipment |
2. Set out and prepare site | 2.1 Measure and mark out permaculture water system lines or lay out in accordance with the permaculture plan 2.2 Dig trenches, where required, at the specified depth without damage to services, facilities, features and established plants 2.3 Ensure that equipment operation and work practices conform with OHS requirements 2.4 Observe any regulations and legislative requirements relevant to the situation 2.5 Consider the needs of other stakeholders while setting out and preparing the site for permaculture water systems |
3. Install permaculture water systems | 3.1 Interpret the permaculture plan and, where applicable, supervise and monitor work by contractor 3.2 Assemble and connect parts of irrigation systems, where used, according to manufacturer’s specifications and the permaculture plan 3.3 Install and adjust pump fittings and valves, where used according to manufacturer’s specifications and the permaculture plan 3.4 Maintain a clean and safe work area while installation work is carried out 3.5 Check that works can be carried out without a licensed plumber and direct work to licensed individuals where required. |
4. Complete installation work | 4.1 Finish off earthworks to permaculture plan specifications 4.2 Check the system configuration and capacity matches the installation plan 4.3 Remove or dispose of waste material from the site, and restore site to original state in an environmentally aware and safe manner 4.4 Clean, maintain and store tools, equipment and machinery |
5. Commission permaculture water systems | 5.1 Prime, start up and flush irrigation and pump systems, where installed, in accordance with the operation manual 5.2 Identify and correct any operating faults according to operations manual 5.3 Test, calibrate and monitor equipment, where used, according to manufacturer’s specifications 5.4 Record or report work outcomes, where appropriate |
6. Monitor and maintain permaculture water systems | 6.1 Regularly check permaculture water systems and monitor for optimum performance 6.2 Carry out routine maintenance procedures on permaculture water systems 6.3 Carry out repairs on permaculture water systems as required 6.4 Install erosion and sediment control measures, if required, in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendation and the permaculture plan |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.
The candidate must provide evidence that they can:
organise resources for installation work
set out and prepare site
install permaculture water systems materials and components, excluding works requiring a licensed plumber.
commission a permaculture water system
monitor and maintain permaculture water systems
communicate with work team members, supervisors, contractors and consultants
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
permaculture practices regarding water including natural flows, rainwater and wastewater, storage, movement and retention of water in the system
permaculture water systems, such as:
swales
contour banks
terraces
mulch-pit paths
diversion channels and other passive installations
mains pressure systems
low pressure or gravity systems
below-ground systems
above-ground systems
spray, dripper and capillary irrigation systems
water tanks
guttering and first-flush diversion system
water supply components, such as:
mains
dam
bore
windmill
tank
channel
understanding of contours
installation methods and techniques for permaculture water systems
components of permaculture water systems
characteristics and operation of joints, valves and sprinkler components
operation of pumps and water flow rates
behaviour of water on varying terrain and soil types
soil water retention testing techniques
water quality and water filtration techniques
calculations for installing permaculture water systems
soil characteristics
regulations and legislative requirements, such as:
permits for pruning or removal of large trees
connecting to water systems
licences for operating specialised machinery, such as chainsaws, skid steer loaders and forklifts
setting up traffic and pedestrian barriers
digging near services (phone, gas, power, water, sewerage and drains)
installing dams or diverting water in catchments
installing tanks
planning acts and codes
earth movement and digging guidelines and legislation
environmental legislation
land restoration codes
water conservation guidelines and legislation
soil movement regulations
habitat and wildlife protection legislation
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs. Assessors must also hold a nationally accredited Certificate III (or higher) in Permaculture. Completion of a Permaculture Design Course (PDC) is not sufficient at this level.
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Permaculture (PER)